The palace has been prepared for the dual celebration—the mating ceremony of Alpha Kaelan and Liana and the retirement of Alpha Veyron. The ceremony would mark Kaelan’s ascension as the new Alpha and Liana’s proclamation as Luna, solidifying her place by his side.
Liana stood in her new chambers, a lavishly appointed room befitting her status as Luna. The walls were draped in rich fabrics, and the soft glow of candlelight danced on the polished floors. She admired herself in the mirror, her reflection a picture of elegance and triumph. Her gown, a masterpiece of delicate silver and white embroidery, shimmered as she moved.
Behind her, maids bustled about, fixing her hair and arranging the intricate jewels that adorned her neck. Liana wore a satisfied smile, her heart swelling with pride. This was her moment, the culmination of her ambition and scheming.
A knock at the door interrupted her reverie.
“Enter,” Liana said, her tone firm yet composed.
Gareth stepped into the room, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief. He closed the door behind him, his movements confident as always.
The maids curtsied, murmuring polite greetings before Liana waved them away. “Leave us,” she commanded, her voice crisp.
As the maids exited, Liana turned to Gareth, her smile fading as she saw the glint in his eyes. “What are you doing here?” she asked sharply, her tone low.
Gareth approached her with a smirk, his gaze roaming over her. “I came to see you, of course. The soon-to-be Luna deserves some personal congratulations.”
“There’s nothing to congratulate yet,” Liana replied, stepping back slightly. “You shouldn’t be here.”
But Gareth didn’t stop. He closed the distance between them, his hand brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Come now, Liana. We’ve come this far together. Don’t act like you don’t owe me.”
Her eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation flashing across her face. “Not now, Gareth. This is my moment, and I won’t have you ruin it.”
Gareth’s smirk widened as he grabbed her wrist, pulling her toward the bed. Liana gasped, her protests cut off as he pushed her down and climbed over her.
“Gareth, stop!” she hissed, her voice filled with urgency. “This isn’t the time for your games.”
But Gareth didn’t listen. His grin was filled with arrogance as he leaned closer, his weight pressing against her. Liana struggled beneath him, her frustration boiling over.
Suddenly, the door swung open.